Keeping Well during the Winter Period

Cold weather, and seasonal illnesses can cause more complications for people with Parkinson’s. Here is our Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist’s Kathy Foley’s advice on managing in colder weather.

Keep your home and yourself warm this winter

Parkinson’s affects the nervous system, which controls body temperature, so people with Parkinson’s can be more sensitive to cold and heat. Here are a few simple suggestions you can do to help keep your body temperature up:

· Keep warm inside and outside the house.

· Layering your clothing can help you stay warm. Opt for breathable fabrics to regulate your temperature.

· Wear socks and a hat in bed if you get cold at night.

· Heat all the rooms you spend the day in. Or if you can’t keep all the rooms heated, try and keep one room heated for the day and your bedroom heated just before you go to bed.

· Set your heating to come on just before you get up in the morning, and to turn off after you go to bed.

The fuel allowance can contribute to energy bills and help keep your home warm in winter. To see if you qualify for The fuel allowance and to get more information on The Fuel Allowance please visit http://www.citzensinformation.ie

Plan for Emergencies

Prepare for Severe Weather: Have a plan in place for severe weather conditions. Stock up on essential supplies, including medications, food, and water. Talk to your GP and pharmacist to ensure you have enough medication to last you through any periods of severe weather.

Many pharmacies offer a home delivery service for prescriptions. You should ask your pharmacist for more information about the services they provide.

Stay Informed: Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, and ensure you have a charged phone to reach out for help if needed.

Protect Your Mental Health

Stay Connected: Winter can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Make an effort to connect with friends and family through calls, video chats, or social media. Consider joining a local or online support group for people with Parkinson’s.

Engage in Hobbies: Pursue activities that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, crafting, or watching movies. Keeping your mind active can help improve your mood.

Keeping active

During winter, you may be inside more, but staying active is still important for your physical and mental wellbeing. Moving about and getting some light exercise can also help you to keep warm. We’ve compiled some of our top tips to help you get active in winter:

· Come up with a plan. You could put reminders in your diary or calendar, or set up a reminder on your smartphone or mobile device. You could even download a fitness app, or keep a record of your progress on a daily or weekly basis.

· Join a club. Physical activity groups for people with Parkinson’s continue to grow in popularity across Ireland and whether you prefer non-contact boxing, Hill walking, or going to your local gym, there’s always something that you can try when you start looking.

· Make it part of your routine. Whether you try to move more when you’re doing the housework, or you try some chair-based exercises, if you prefer to stay indoors in winter then you can still make physical activity part of your everyday routine.

· Doing something is better than doing nothing. Whether you like to be active from home or you are a keen gym-goer, there’s always

something you can do. Try to vary the exercises or activities you do regularly.

· You don’t have to do it on your own. If you’re active with a friend or you exercise together as a family, try to find activities you can do together, such as vigorous walking or running.

Risk of falls

Loss of balance and falling affect many people with Parkinson’s. You should take extra care in winter if you do have to go out in icy conditions. To stay safe:

· Wear shoes with flat or low heels, and rubber soles as they provide better traction on ice and snow. Take your shoes off as soon as you get home. Ice and snow can stick to your soles and cause slippery conditions as they melt.

· If you use a walking stick, check for wear and tear. If the tip of the stick (the ferrule) becomes worn, it should be replaced. Your local physiotherapy department can do this for you.

· Think about what route you will take to your destination and allow extra time to get there.

· Be aware of your surroundings as some places can stay icy for longer in the shade.

· Use handrails for support where you can.

· Don’t be afraid of asking for help walking outside if you need it.

If you know someone who has Parkinson’s

If your relative, friend or neighbour has Parkinson’s, it’s important to check on them regularly during winter. Older people are particularly vulnerable at this time of year.

Think about arranging a text, call or visit to your loved one regularly. It can give you both peace of mind. There are other ways you can help if you are local – you could offer to clear their pathway if it icy or has snowed, offer to do their food shopping or help with an online order.

Covid and Flu Vaccinations

Stay Vaccinated: It’s important to stay up-to-date with both Covid and flu vaccinations, as people with Parkinson’s may be at increased risk for severe illness. Consult with your healthcare provider about vaccination schedules and booster shots.

Find Vaccination Locations: Check with your local health authority for available vaccination clinics. You can often find this information on their websites or by calling their helplines. HSE (Health Service Executive): For health information and services, call 1850 24 1850 or visit hse.ie

Winter can be a challenging time for those living with Parkinson’s, but by implementing these strategies, you can enhance your well-being and enjoy the season. Remember to listen to your body, reach out for support when needed, and take things one day at a time. Stay warm, stay safe, and take care.